On the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf Forum 2025 Tamkeen signs an agreement with Startupbootcamp to support emerging Tech companies
The Labour Fund “Tamkeen” has signed an agreement with “Startupbootcamp”, a globally recognized leader in business acceleration, within efforts to support emerging tech companies specializing in AI in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This aligns with national efforts to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum 2025, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain in its third edition from November 2nd to 3rd 2025. As part of this initiative, “Tamkeen” will collaborate with “Startupbootcamp” to launch the AI Accelerator Program, which is designed to empower Bahraini entrepreneurs in the field of artificial intelligence. The program offers participants the opportunity to build and develop AI-based ventures — from the idea stage to market-ready products — thereby contributing to the advancement of innovation and the growth of the technology ecosystem in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The program offers specialized training in AI and data-driven business models, equipping participants with the technical knowledge and strategic insights necessary to develop innovative and scalable solutions. In addition, participants will gain access to a broad network of industry partners and experts, benefit from tailored mentorship and guidance, and explore investment opportunities to support the growth and sustainability of their ventures.
This collaboration aligns with Tamkeen’s strategic priorities for 2025, which focus on enhancing the position and competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, equipping Bahrainis with suitable skills for career development, and prioritizing enterprise growth, digitization and sustainability.
Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund “Tamkeen” commented: “We are pleased to collaborate with “Startupbootcamp”, a globally recognized leader that has consistently demonstrated their ability to empower promising startups in the AI field through its accelerators and expertise in this rapidly growing sector. The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to exceptional local talent capable of driving transformation and building innovative technology ventures with strong potential for growth and expansion. These ventures play a vital role in creating high-quality employment opportunities for Bahrainis. In line with this, Tamkeen is commitment to supporting local talent by equipping them with the resources they need to realize their entrepreneurial ambitions and play an active role in the development of the national economy.”
From his side, Carsten Kølbek, Co-founder and Chairman of “Startupbootcamp” commented: “We are pleased to collaborate with Tamkeen to strengthen the technology sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through this partnership, we will work with talented Bahraini entrepreneurs who will contribute to addressing key challenges within the sector, while also creating new job opportunities and driving innovation and economic growth in the Kingdom.”
Hani Murad, regional CEO of “Startupbootcamp” and “Rainmaking” added: “The program aims to train 160 Bahraini entrepreneurs and develop 80 market ready products over the next three years. Through this partnership, we will dedicate direct investments worth USD 4 million to support promising projects. The program will also provide participants with the opportunity to engage with a distinguished network of global experts and mentors in the field of artificial intelligence, launch their entrepreneurial ventures, and gain access to direct investments that will enable them to expand and grow their businesses.”
“Startupbootcamp” is recognized as one of the leading business acceleration platforms in Europe, operating more than 80 accelerator programs across four continents. Established in 2010, it has since successfully graduated over 180 startup cohorts and supported the launch of more than 1,800 startups, with total funding exceeding USD 3.2 billion. These achievements position “Startupbootcamp” as one of the foremost global entities driving the growth and expansion of emerging technological enterprises.